Post Graduate Volunteer Year

What will you do after graduation?

The Jesuit ideal is to form "men and women for and with others." One way to live this ideal is the "volunteer service year." Graduates spend a year doing service for and with those in need - especially with people who are economically poor or marginalized. Volunteers commit to compassionate service, a simple lifestyle in community, spiritual growth and commitment to social justice. Volunteers are provided room and board, health insurance, a small stipend, and usually student loan deferrals.

Where can you serve?

Canisius graduates typically have served one-year domestically anywhere from Jersey City to Alaska, from Omaha to a Native American Reservation, from Buffalo to downtown L.A. Some have stayed on for a second year of service. International volunteer programs often require volunteers to commit to serve for two-years internationally, in countries like Tanzania, Bolivia, Southeast Asia or Nepal.

What kind of program can you serve with?

There are usually two kinds of programs graduates join up with: faith-based or secular. Faith-based programs like the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Covenant House Faith Communities or MercyCorps are based on the cornerstone values of social justice, spirituality, community and simple lifestyle. Volunteers live in community, eat together, pray once a week together, go on retreats and have support people within their community.

Secular programs like AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps are based on the humanitarian ideals of making the world a better place. These programs are more individualistic and volunteers more often than not are required to find their own places to live.

Where can I find more information about these volunteer programs?

Set up a time to speak with campus minister, Lu Firestone. Lu can tell you about various service options available. Contact Lu at 716-888-2422 or firestol@canisius.edu.

Campus Ministry Blog

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